DJI Air 3S — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | DJI |
|---|---|
| Model | Air 3S |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Aerial |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | outdoor |
| Price (USD) | $1099–$1299 |
| Weight | 0.723 kg |
| Dimensions | 20.7cm L × 9.8cm W × 8.9cm H |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Rating | 4.7/5 (987 reviews) |
| Country of origin | CN |
Key features
- 1-inch CMOS primary camera — superior low-light
- Forward LiDAR enables nighttime obstacle sensing
- Dual cameras: 1" wide + 1/1.3" 3x tele
- 4K/60fps HDR; 14 stops dynamic range
- 45-min max flight time; 20km transmission
- ActiveTrack 360; Next-Gen Smart RTH
- 14 stops dynamic range with D-Log M
What is it?
The DJI Air 3S is the 2024 upgrade to the Air 3 — keeping dual cameras and 45-minute flight time while adding a 1-inch CMOS main sensor, forward LiDAR for nighttime obstacle avoidance, and 14 stops of dynamic range.
Who is it for?
- Cinematographers and travel creators who shoot in golden hour, night, or low-light environments where the 1-inch sensor makes a visible difference
- Pilots who want to fly after dark with LiDAR-assisted obstacle avoidance
- Anyone buying new who would have considered the Air 3 — the Air 3S is the better choice at similar pricing
Key specs
- Weight: 723g (FAA registration required)
- Camera 1: 1-inch CMOS, 24mm, 50MP, 4K/60fps HDR
- Camera 2: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 70mm (3x), 48MP, 4K/60fps HDR
- Dynamic range: 14 stops with D-Log M
- Safety: Forward LiDAR + nightscape omnidirectional APAS
- Flight time: 45 min max; 20km transmission
- Tracking: ActiveTrack 360; Next-Gen Smart RTH
- Price: ~$1,099–1,299
How it compares
The Air 3 is slightly cheaper but has a 1/1.3-inch main sensor — the Air 3S is worth the modest premium for low-light work. The Mavic 3 Pro's Hasselblad 4/3-inch sensor still leads for pure image quality but is heavier and more expensive.
Limitations
- FAA registration required (723g)
- NDAA not compliant
- RC-N3 controller requires smartphone pairing
- Still no built-in spotlight for truly dark environments
FAQ
How much does the DJI Air 3S cost?
The DJI Air 3S is priced between $1,099 and $1,299, making it a competitive option for content creators looking for advanced drone features.
What is the DJI Air 3S used for?
The DJI Air 3S is designed for cinematographers and travel creators who need exceptional low-light performance, thanks to its 1-inch CMOS sensor and dual-camera system, allowing for high-quality video recording at 4K/60fps HDR.
What are the key specifications of the DJI Air 3S?
The DJI Air 3S features a 1-inch 24mm wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch 70mm medium telephoto camera, both capable of 4K/60fps HDR recording, with a flight time of up to 45 minutes and a transmission range of 20km.
Who should buy the DJI Air 3S?
The DJI Air 3S is ideal for pilots who frequently shoot in low-light conditions or after dark, as it includes forward-facing LiDAR for nighttime obstacle sensing, making it safer for such environments.
How does the DJI Air 3S compare to its predecessor?
Compared to the Air 3, the Air 3S offers an upgraded 1-inch CMOS main sensor for improved low-light capabilities, while maintaining similar pricing and features such as a 45-minute flight time and dual-camera system.
What are the limitations of the DJI Air 3S?
One limitation of the DJI Air 3S is that it requires FAA registration due to its weight of 723g, and it is not compliant with the NDAA. Additionally, it does not feature a built-in spotlight for use in very dark conditions.